Experiencing Friction with GTD After One Month – Seeking Workflow Optimization Advice

[achieve]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been implementing GTD for about a month now, and while it initially helped me stay on top of tasks, I’ve hit a few roadblocks as my workload increased. I’d love to hear how more experienced practitioners handle these challenges.

What Worked Well Initially:​

• The "capture everything" mindset reduced mental clutter.
• Processing my inbox daily gave me a sense of control.
• The "next actions" list helped me well.

Current Struggles:​

1. Inbox Overload – My collection rate now exceeds my processing capacity, leading to backlog stress.
2. Energy Drain – When fatigued, I default to passive recovery (e.g., short videos) instead of meaningful rest or task completion.
3. Task Resistance – New inputs (especially from peers/partners) trigger annoyance, partly because recording them feels like adding to an already overwhelming system.
4. Urgent vs. GTD – Some unplanned urgent tasks bypass my system entirely, leaving me reactive.

Specific Questions:​

• For those who’ve faced "collect > process" imbalance: How did you recalibrate?
• Any tips for maintaining motivation during low-energy phases?
• How do you handle externally assigned tasks without resentment?
• Do you integrate urgent "fire drills" into GTD, or keep them separate?

I’m committed to making GTD work but could use advice on refining my approach. Thanks in advance for your insights!

 

[mcogilvie]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been implementing GTD for about a month now, and while it initially helped me stay on top of tasks, I’ve hit a few roadblocks as my workload increased. I’d love to hear how more experienced practitioners handle these challenges.

What Worked Well Initially:​

• The "capture everything" mindset reduced mental clutter.
• Processing my inbox daily gave me a sense of control.
• The "next actions" list helped me well.

Yes, this is common.

Current Struggles:​

1. Inbox Overload – My collection rate now exceeds my processing capacity, leading to backlog stress.
2. Energy Drain – When fatigued, I default to passive recovery (e.g., short videos) instead of meaningful rest or task completion.
3. Task Resistance – New inputs (especially from peers/partners) trigger annoyance, partly because recording them feels like adding to an already overwhelming system.
4. Urgent vs. GTD – Some unplanned urgent tasks bypass my system entirely, leaving me reactive.

Many of these are common too. It’s fairly common for early gains using GTD to be offset by collecting more than you can process easily, and to take on more projects than you can handle. Experience helps here. Find ways to reduce email, and realize that you don’t need to collect information that is unlikely to be useful. At a higher level, you will need to turn away requests and to reject opportunities. Urgent requests tangential to your own goals and values must be deflected.

Specific Questions:​

• For those who’ve faced "collect > process" imbalance: How did you recalibrate?

Experience and honesty.

• Any tips for maintaining motivation during low-energy phases?

Low energy times are for cleaning up, reflecting, maintaining mental and physical health, and doing low-energy things. The goal of GTD is not to rush through “high-priority tasks” all the time.

• How do you handle externally assigned tasks without resentment?

By having a balanced view of every level of my life, and reacting appropriately in each case.

• Do you integrate urgent "fire drills" into GTD, or keep them separate?

One of my favorite aphorisms is “Not my circus, not my monkeys.”

I’m committed to making GTD work but could use advice on refining my approach. Thanks in advance for your insights!

I’ll end with a quote from David Allen’s book Ready for Anything:

Whenever thinking is murky, ambiguous, or off purpose, you must let go of the level you’re focusing on and shift the horizon to another plane. If you’re busy (action) and unclear, stop and review your plans. If you’re planning (organization) and unclear, get to a whiteboard or blank piece of paper and do a mental core dump to get the ideas and information you may be missing. If you’re trying to free-range or get outside the box (brainstorm) and unclear, drop back and revisit the image of what success would look like, for more specificity. If your picture (vision) is too ill formed, return to your purpose—why you’re doing the thing at all. Clarity is never found within something.

Good Luck!

 

[achieve]

Yes, this is common.

Many of these are common too. It’s fairly common for early gains using GTD to be offset by collecting more than you can process easily, and to take on more projects than you can handle. Experience helps here. Find ways to reduce email, and realize that you don’t need to collect information that is unlikely to be useful. At a higher level, you will need to turn away requests and to reject opportunities. Urgent requests tangential to your own goals and values must be deflected.

Experience and honesty.

Low energy times are for cleaning up, reflecting, maintaining mental and physical health, and doing low-energy things. The goal of GTD is not to rush through “high-priority tasks” all the time.

By having a balanced view of every level of my life, and reacting appropriately in each case.

One of my favorite aphorisms is “Not my circus, not my monkeys.”

I’ll end with a quote from David Allen’s book Ready for Anything:


Good Luck!

Hi mcogilvie,

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond—I truly appreciate your insights! Your advice helped me realize several important adjustments I need to make:

1. GTD proficiency develops gradually, and initial "collect > process" imbalances are part of the journey.
2. Intentional filtering is crucial:
   
   • Your "not my circus" principle showed me I need stronger boundaries about what enters my system.
   • Even my "rest" habits (like watching short videos) were unknowingly overloading instead of recovering,so I should consume less of them.
3. Smart recovery enables productivity:
   
   • When energy is low, I'll prioritize true restoration (sleep, light organizing, or weekly reviews).
   • These "maintenance modes" feel more refreshing than forced work or passive scrolling.

I'm implementing these immediately—starting with a "pause-before-collecting" rule. Your perspective has been invaluable—thank you!

 

[boomer70]

I have never hit any roadblocks and since implementing GTD it has been smooth sailing!

If you believe that one, I have a bridge to sell you. ;-)

Everyone has ebbs and flows with GTD. When I feel overwhelmed I think back to the last time that I got clear and how good that felt and it will usually give me the motivation to process through.

Some specific thoughts on your struggles...

Current Struggles:​

1. Inbox Overload – My collection rate now exceeds my processing capacity, leading to backlog stress.
   When I feel overwhelmed I think back to the last time that I got clear and how good that felt and it will usually give me the motivation to process through. Once I process I go back and review and find items that can be delegated or are not important and urgent and can just be deleted or moved to Some Day, Maybe.
2. Energy Drain – When fatigued, I default to passive recovery (e.g., short videos) instead of meaningful rest or task completion.
   When I feel this I try to watch or listen to something GTD or productivity focused to give me inspiration
3. Task Resistance – New inputs (especially from peers/partners) trigger annoyance, partly because recording them feels like adding to an already overwhelming system.
   Completely normal feeling but again, capture and process and then review them in light of the other items on your task list and se if there are items (including these) that an be delegated or are not important and urgent and can just be deleted or moved to Some Day, Maybe.
4. Urgent vs. GTD – Some unplanned urgent tasks bypass my system entirely, leaving me reactive.
   I slip into this but just have to evaluate whether they are truly urgent or juts "right now." I try to remember the 2 minute use that to guide me as well

 

[achieve]

I have never hit any roadblocks and since implementing GTD it has been smooth sailing!

If you believe that one, I have a bridge to sell you. ;-)

Everyone has ebbs and flows with GTD. When I feel overwhelmed I think back to the last time that I got clear and how good that felt and it will usually give me the motivation to process through.

Some specific thoughts on your struggles...

Current Struggles:​

1. Inbox Overload – My collection rate now exceeds my processing capacity, leading to backlog stress.
   When I feel overwhelmed I think back to the last time that I got clear and how good that felt and it will usually give me the motivation to process through. Once I process I go back and review and find items that can be delegated or are not important and urgent and can just be deleted or moved to Some Day, Maybe.
2. Energy Drain – When fatigued, I default to passive recovery (e.g., short videos) instead of meaningful rest or task completion.
   When I feel this I try to watch or listen to something GTD or productivity focused to give me inspiration
3. Task Resistance – New inputs (especially from peers/partners) trigger annoyance, partly because recording them feels like adding to an already overwhelming system.
   Completely normal feeling but again, capture and process and then review them in light of the other items on your task list and se if there are items (including these) that an be delegated or are not important and urgent and can just be deleted or moved to Some Day, Maybe.
4. Urgent vs. GTD – Some unplanned urgent tasks bypass my system entirely, leaving me reactive.
   I slip into this but just have to evaluate whether they are truly urgent or juts "right now." I try to remember the 2 minute use that to guide me as well

Hi boomer70,

Thank you for sharing your honest perspective and practical tips! Your response gave me two valuable "aha moments":

1. The "Some Day/Maybe" Priority Filter
   I discovered I've been keeping tasks in my active lists that could happen this week/month—but in reality, I simply don't have bandwidth to advance them. Moving these to "Some Day/Maybe" may help to make my Next Actions list more honest and actionable.
2. The Power of "Remembering Clear"
   Your suggestion to recall past clarity really resonated. Two examples from my own experience:
   
   • Maintaining a sharp Waiting For list ensured I notified someone at the perfect time recently.
   • When stuck on ambiguous "material," visualizing the end outcome in one sentence magically revealed the next action.

Thanks again for paying your wisdom forward—this is exactly why I love this community.

 

[fooddude]

Your next action list should be contexts.

All you can do is all you can do. You can't do everything yourself. And there are things you should just not commit to.

Urgent vs. GTD – Some unplanned urgent tasks bypass my system entirely, leaving me reactive.

GTD really isn't as much about priority as it is context and energy. Although, each of us know what has priority in the moment. Not everything is urgent.

Task Resistance – New inputs (especially from peers/partners) trigger annoyance, partly because recording them feels like adding to an already overwhelming system.

Could be unnecessary or need to go on someday maybe. Process is capture. Decide. Delete, defer, do, delegate.
Keep it simple.
This is my system. Anything you can do in two minutes do then. Anything with more than one step to complete goes on project list. The very next action goes on the correct context. Day/time specific goes on calendar. I am zealous of my time. I delete 90% of my emails or unsubscribe to most. My email goes into two labels. To follow up and waiting for. My weekly review catches follow up email and waiting for to put into my system. I have a someday/maybe list that is just like my project list. As you can see I have 3 current agenda notes. Very rarely I might have one for a project where A person involved deems it. But when I'm done it will go away. If you are starting out keep it simple. I have some checklists And reference notes. However, this is mostly how I GTD. Good luck.

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMB0IIhE-Q5BvejeU-pSH2iKkqiSUn8MuBTiv7b
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMB0IIhE-Q5BvejeU-pSH2iKkqiSUn8MuBTiv7b

 

[achieve]

Your next action list should be contexts.

All you can do is all you can do. You can't do everything yourself. And there are things you should just not commit to.

GTD really isn't as much about priority as it is context and energy. Although, each of us know what has priority in the moment. Not everything is urgent.

Could be unnecessary or need to go on someday maybe. Process is capture. Decide. Delete, defer, do, delegate.
Keep it simple.
This is my system. Anything you can do in two minutes do then. Anything with more than one step to complete goes on project list. The very next action goes on the correct context. Day/time specific goes on calendar. I am zealous of my time. I delete 90% of my emails or unsubscribe to most. My email goes into two labels. To follow up and waiting for. My weekly review catches follow up email and waiting for to put into my system. I have a someday/maybe list that is just like my project list. As you can see I have 3 current agenda notes. Very rarely I might have one for a project where A person involved deems it. But when I'm done it will go away. If you are starting out keep it simple. I have some checklists And reference notes. However, this is mostly how I GTD. Good luck.
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Hello fooddude, first of all, thank you very much for your careful reading and reply!

After seeing the screenshots of the Projects and next actions lists you sent, I feel that it has given me a great visual impact. Because my notes are not currently set up in exactly this way. You set it up so that there is one context for each file, such as @errands, etc，it's good.
While in my current practice, I have an inbox and a markdown file for the next actions list. Inside, subheadings represent various projects, and then I need to scroll up and down to look for them. Sometimes, in a project, part of the tasks will be completed while the other part remains unfinished. Since I tend to tick off the completed tasks, it's easier to know what I have done and what I haven't done in this project. However, I found that this seems to be a bit contradictory to GTD. Because the next actions list is actually the simplest and clearest when it purely provides the next tasks, without any unnecessary distractions.So I also want to ask, how you track the things you have done. For example, after you finish something, do you directly delete the content from the list? But won't this make you forget some of the small tasks you have done before?
But upon reflection, I just deleted a few completed tasks, and it didn’t make me forget what I’d done—in fact, it made my thinking clearer. I realized my journal doesn’t need to track whether I ‘completed’ a task, because the meaningful record is the outcome, not a binary yes/no checkbox (e.g., the real value isn’t noting ‘asked about home circuit capacity’ but recording the actual amp rating). Deleting it actually reminded me to document the result, which is the truly valuable part.

At the same time, I'm indeed learning how to set up the next actions list for each context. I'm trying to summarize, but I'm only in two states every day, one is in front of the computer, and the other is during the commute to and from work. There are very few other times. I haven't found a very suitable way to divide the scene contexts yet and I'm still exploring.
I plan to follow your approach by using my Projects list as the starting point (while occasionally referencing supporting project materials) to identify actionable next steps, then assigning them to their appropriate contexts. This represents a significant workflow shift for me. I'm optimistic about achieving positive results from this change.

Thirdly, you said that we all know what is urgent and Not everything is urgent. I couldn't agree more. In fact, the book also says so. Yesterday I just encountered something that was really urgent and also within my job responsibilities. Then I didn't record anything at all - because each next action was very clear, and someone was urging me very urgently. It can be considered a series of 2-minute tasks (some may take more than 20 minutes). Maybe there's no need to manage such things with GTD at all, right? Because GTD mainly gives us appropriate prompts in the appropriate context.

I'm really looking forward to your reply!

 

[Gardener]

Is it possible that you’re putting too much effort into processing, and allowing too many active things?

For example, imagine that you receive a regular emailed newsletter that you regard as valuable. When one comes in, you could process it by:

• Examining the current issue, evaluating the articles, creating four active projects to read and act on four articles that seem useful, and creating tasks for each project.
• The same, but they’re Someday/Maybe projects.
• Dragging the newsletter into “to read.”
• Creating a filter so that the newsletter will be auto-dumped into “to read.”
• Deleting the newsletter because right now you just don’t have time for it, and you hope that next month you will.
• Unsubscribing.

This example may be irrelevant to you—you may have things like newsletters running smoothly. I’m mostly offering an example of differing levels of efforts in processing.

When I am confident that I will do something, but I am not confident that I will have time for it this week/month, I don’t make it into a project with actions. I instead dump it into one of my many (many!) Someday/Maybe lists. I occasionally go through those lists, sometimes adding tags for Priority or Time Sensitive, so that when I do have some time to address something off the list, I’m more likely to pick something worth doing.

I do some user documentation as part of my job. When a user commits an error for which documentation would have been useful, I’ll write just enough words to remind me what the deal is (“Document elimination of duplicates when prepping Widget data for import into Gadget system.” or, if I’m in a hurry, “Widget dupe import explosion! Doc!”) and drop that into Someday/Maybe.

If I decide that I’m collecting too many documentation backlog items, I might create a sort of collective project: “Work through doc backlog” That represents dozens of items in a single active project.

I’m drifting here. I think my main response to your post remains curiosity about whether you may be over-processing and allowing too many active projects.

Also—I don’t use the two-minute rule when processing. It distracts me, slows me down, and frustrates me.

 

[achieve]

Is it possible that you’re putting too much effort into processing, and allowing too many active things?

For example, imagine that you receive a regular emailed newsletter that you regard as valuable. When one comes in, you could process it by:

• Examining the current issue, evaluating the articles, creating four active projects to read and act on four articles that seem useful, and creating tasks for each project.
• The same, but they’re Someday/Maybe projects.
• Dragging the newsletter into “to read.”
• Creating a filter so that the newsletter will be auto-dumped into “to read.”
• Deleting the newsletter because right now you just don’t have time for it, and you hope that next month you will.
• Unsubscribing.

This example may be irrelevant to you—you may have things like newsletters running smoothly. I’m mostly offering an example of differing levels of efforts in processing.

When I am confident that I will do something, but I am not confident that I will have time for it this week/month, I don’t make it into a project with actions. I instead dump it into one of my many (many!) Someday/Maybe lists. I occasionally go through those lists, sometimes adding tags for Priority or Time Sensitive, so that when I do have some time to address something off the list, I’m more likely to pick something worth doing.

I do some user documentation as part of my job. When a user commits an error for which documentation would have been useful, I’ll write just enough words to remind me what the deal is (“Document elimination of duplicates when prepping Widget data for import into Gadget system.” or, if I’m in a hurry, “Widget dupe import explosion! Doc!”) and drop that into Someday/Maybe.

If I decide that I’m collecting too many documentation backlog items, I might create a sort of collective project: “Work through doc backlog” That represents dozens of items in a single active project.

I’m drifting here. I think my main response to your post remains curiosity about whether you may be over-processing and allowing too many active projects.

Also—I don’t use the two-minute rule when processing. It distracts me, slows me down, and frustrates me.

Thank you, Gardener, for your serious reply to my post! I completely understand the meaning of the example you gave. Sometimes, perhaps because GTD can accommodate all kinds of things, I just put all the related matters into the inbox. However, I really didn't think carefully about whether some things should be added or not. And after adding them, I actually don't know what to do with them, and deleting them makes me feel as if I've lost something. Or, as you said, sometimes directly "unsubscribing" is actually a better option. I will think about this point carefully.

 

[FocusGuy]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been implementing GTD for about a month now, and while it initially helped me stay on top of tasks, I’ve hit a few roadblocks as my workload increased. I’d love to hear how more experienced practitioners handle these challenges.

What Worked Well Initially:​

• The "capture everything" mindset reduced mental clutter.
• Processing my inbox daily gave me a sense of control.
• The "next actions" list helped me well.

Thats a pretty good start I experimented the same way.

Some personnel ideas : Hope that helps

Current Struggles:​

1. Inbox Overload – My collection rate now exceeds my processing capacity, leading to backlog stress.

Little by little you will experience collecte. When I need to collect something I just ask to myself does it worth collecting that ?
I try to collect only stuff which make sense for me or others. Reducyi,g the amount to clarify will reduce your stress and energy consuming in the future.

1. Energy Drain – When fatigued, I default to passive recovery (e.g., short videos) instead of meaningful rest or task completion.

I have a list of small things I can do without any energy. One is personal the other is professional

1. Task Resistance – New inputs (especially from peers/partners) trigger annoyance, partly because recording them feels like adding to an already overwhelming system.

If something makes resistance it is because it is not clarified or it doesn't stick with your highest horizons.
Focus at on time on it Ask yourself why do I resit on this ? If you can't decide put it in a someday may be list for incubation you will decide later...

1. Urgent vs. GTD – Some unplanned urgent tasks bypass my system entirely, leaving me reactive.

Urgent task are urgent. Some task can take more than 2 mn. Dont put it in a list just do it now. Use time block for that.
;-) Urgent means there is a fire. It will stay on my mind until I fixe it so Urgent = do it now or today but damn do it !

Specific Questions:​

• For those who’ve faced "collect > process" imbalance: How did you recalibrate?

I take some appointments with my self and think about stuff. When there is something which really bother me I make a list about it put it on my paper intox time to let it grow and clarify later...

• Any tips for maintaining motivation during low-energy phases?

Take your list energy low and do it.

• How do you handle externally assigned tasks without resentment?
• Do you integrate urgent "fire drills" into GTD, or keep them separate?

I’m committed to making GTD work but could use advice on refining my approach. Thanks in advance for your insights!

 

[fooddude]

Do you integrate urgent "fire drills" into GTD, or keep them separate?

I missed this one.
Yes everything goes into your system. Your whole life all of it. If you don't you will miss things.
Everything needs "planning". Everything from plan retirement to buy new socks. Does everything require the same intensity? No. But it all has to get done. Sometime.

 

[achieve]

Thats a pretty good start I experimented the same way.

Some personnel ideas : Hope that helps

Little by little you will experience collecte. When I need to collect something I just ask to myself does it worth collecting that ?
I try to collect only stuff which make sense for me or others. Reducyi,g the amount to clarify will reduce your stress and energy consuming in the future.

I have a list of small things I can do without any energy. One is personal the other is professional

If something makes resistance it is because it is not clarified or it doesn't stick with your highest horizons.
Focus at on time on it Ask yourself why do I resit on this ? If you can't decide put it in a someday may be list for incubation you will decide later...

Urgent task are urgent. Some task can take more than 2 mn. Dont put it in a list just do it now. Use time block for that.
;-) Urgent means there is a fire. It will stay on my mind until I fixe it so Urgent = do it now or today but damn do it !


I take some appointments with my self and think about stuff. When there is something which really bother me I make a list about it put it on my paper intox time to let it grow and clarify later...

Take your list energy low and do it.

Thanks Focusguy!

1. Indeed, not everything is worth capturing into the inbox. I need to choose based on your own goals and values.
2. The idea of creating a low-energy list is great. It should be reusable, right?
3. Regarding urgent matters, it's indeed as you said. Just do them. Haha.
4. Exactly. Maybe some things are clearer when written down on paper. I've done that too, and the situation does become clearer. After all, a screen isn't always "displaying" right there like a piece of paper is.

 

[achieve]

I missed this one.
Yes everything goes into your system. Your whole life all of it. If you don't you will miss things.
Everything needs "planning". Everything from plan retirement to buy new socks. Does everything require the same intensity? No. But it all has to get done. Sometime.

Indeed, it's still necessary to jot these things down, mainly out of fear of forgetting. The brain really isn't good at holding onto many things at once.

 

[FocusGuy]

I missed this one.
Yes everything goes into your system. Your whole life all of it. If you don't you will miss things.
Everything needs "planning". Everything from plan retirement to buy new socks. Does everything require the same intensity? No. But it all has to get done. Sometime.

I agree this is why your system must be able to manage and select large amount of datas. There is also a core rule : Take time to update your system eg clean stuff, reformulate, add if you don't it will soon becomes a burden. Once there was so much datas in Omnfocus that the only way I found was to start from scratch...

 

[FocusGuy]

@achieve One good tip. The difficulties with GTD is as I said about the amount of datas and choosing the right thing to see and do.
I use Omnifocus (but I could do the same with paper) a task can be hidden (hold tag function + show only active tasks)
During the day I see my context list and my project list (if I want) and only my next action. If I want to go deeper in a project I use the focus function + show available or all tasks and then update. I notice is is crucial to be able to stay focus on only a few thing otherwise I am un able to choose and decide...

 

[FocusGuy]

another useful tip sometime I feel lost. I stop everything take a sheet of paper and brainstorm on the subject. Then I put all I understand in Omnifocus to follow the subject.

 

[fooddude]

Indeed, it's still necessary to jot these things down, mainly out of fear of forgetting. The brain really isn't good at holding onto many things at once.

I have a 3x5 notepad next to my laptop. I put one thing on a note and it goes into my inbox. I kind of like paper for those things. But at some point I will put it into my system.

 

[gtdstudente]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been implementing GTD for about a month now, and while it initially helped me stay on top of tasks, I’ve hit a few roadblocks as my workload increased. I’d love to hear how more experienced practitioners handle these challenges.

What Worked Well Initially:​

• The "capture everything" mindset reduced mental clutter.
• Processing my inbox daily gave me a sense of control.
• The "next actions" list helped me well.

Current Struggles:​

1. Inbox Overload – My collection rate now exceeds my processing capacity, leading to backlog stress.
2. Energy Drain – When fatigued, I default to passive recovery (e.g., short videos) instead of meaningful rest or task completion.
3. Task Resistance – New inputs (especially from peers/partners) trigger annoyance, partly because recording them feels like adding to an already overwhelming system.
4. Urgent vs. GTD – Some unplanned urgent tasks bypass my system entirely, leaving me reactive.

Specific Questions:​

• For those who’ve faced "collect > process" imbalance: How did you recalibrate?
• Any tips for maintaining motivation during low-energy phases?
• How do you handle externally assigned tasks without resentment?
• Do you integrate urgent "fire drills" into GTD, or keep them separate?

I’m committed to making GTD work but could use advice on refining my approach. Thanks in advance for your insights!

• For those who’ve faced "collect > process" imbalance: How did you recalibrate?
• PLOUGH as BEST and 'Slowly' as POSSIBLE . . . to discover what is causing the 'imbalance' through Calm Objective Analysis (COA)
• 
  
• Any tips for maintaining motivation during low-energy phases?
• Choose appropriate Activity: Low-Energy, Enjoyable, Rest, etc.
• 
  
• How do you handle externally assigned tasks without resentment?
• When Life Throws Lemons, Make Lemonade ?
• 
  
• Do you integrate urgent "fire drills" into GTD, or keep them separate?
• One "Fire Drill" on one 'Peace' of Paper

As you see GTD fit. . . .

 

[achieve]

@achieve One good tip. The difficulties with GTD is as I said about the amount of datas and choosing the right thing to see and do.
I use Omnifocus (but I could do the same with paper) a task can be hidden (hold tag function + show only active tasks)
During the day I see my context list and my project list (if I want) and only my next action. If I want to go deeper in a project I use the focus function + show available or all tasks and then update. I notice is is crucial to be able to stay focus on only a few thing otherwise I am un able to choose and decide...

I can empathize with your experience!
If I see a large number of reminder messages for different tasks and projects all at once, I will instead lose my focus and become restless.
Hiding the reminder messages of other projects is really a good way to stay focused!

 

[FocusGuy]

I can empathize with your experience!
If I see a large number of reminder messages for different tasks and projects all at once, I will instead lose my focus and become restless.
Hiding the reminder messages of other projects is really a good way to stay focused!

Thank you ;-) May be a good idea would be to disconnect notification. I did it with email I consult 3 times a day.
Dont bother, after a while you will notice GTD is indeed simple. It works with principle or I may say process.
eg 2 mn rule, eg 5 steps, eg weekly review with a check list and so on, and so on,
take one at a time, test and do it.
later on you will adapt GTD and make your own way. Mine is adapted. The skeleton is GTD but my own practice is adapted to my own way.